FTKstudio guitar Blog english

Is starting on electric guitar more expensive than on an acoustic?

To get straight to the answer first: NO! It is a well known dated image: the novice guitarist
with an acoustic guitar and a music stand in a scholastic environment. From the idea that you
do not spend too much when you don't know yet whether the new passion will be lasting. And
once the acoustic beginner guitar was the cheapest option. Though not of a quality which
stirred enthusiasm.

But most of us are inspired to play guitar by music that is played on electric guitars!
This is where you started to jump and sing! And now in 2012 it is possible to immediately start with
what you really want. Both in price and quality you may just as well take that shiny electric dream in
hand. Because the amplification of an electric guitar has become affordable and does not have to
be a nuisance to the neighbors or roommates while you let your hair down. With the possibility
to play through your stereo and/or use headphones. And investing in expensive amplification to
use with a live band to play on stage volume can wait.

I will give some examples which will make it clear. With links to manufacturers videos, Youtube or
good demos. At the FTKstudio with years of music and technology experience there's more than
just learning guitar! And finally: if you do want to buy an acoustic and play popmusic
never ever buy or let them sell you a classical ("spanish") nylon string guitar. It's not for you.
Go for the steelstring "western" guitar.

N.B. My advice is independent: I am not affiliated with any musicstore.

The Vox Amplug goes into your guitar and you connect a headphone with a
mini-jack to it, for example the one of your MP3 player. Play night and day
whenever and where ever you want, without anyone hearing you. And without
carrying heavy equipment around. Or connect it to your stereo set. More
information and audio at VOX.

UPDATE
the new Joe Satriani Amplug:

Line6 POD
€59 - €99 - €149

The widely sold Line6 POD has different types and prices. In this simplest POD you have the
sound of 5 famous amps and the 6 mostly used guitar effects. It also has a tuner and different
ins and outs to connect to a headset or stereo, or even a professional sound system. Play day
and night, sound good, have a good time playing without disturbing someone. A lot of info, audio
and video on the site of Line6

Digitech has a growing reputation with their pedals and amp-modeling. The smallest
in the RP series is the RP-55, which contains 11 amp models, 20 effects, a drum machine
and a tuner. Which saves you buying a separate tuner and metronome. With a stereo
line-out which can also be used for headphones. 40 Preset guitar sounds to start playing
immediately. More info on the site of Digitech.

BOSS TU-88 Demo video on BOSS website.

Advantage is you have (clean) amplification, a metronome and
a tuner in one. The metronome is louder than the one on the
BOSS TU-80. And the tuner warns if the tuning is correct and
can aslo generate a sound of the notes you need if you want to
tune by ear. You can listen to your guitar with a headset (for
example the one of your MP3 player) or connect it to your hifi
set line-in.
If you're starting out on electric guitar and you don't play on
stage or with a band yet this is the most basic device to help
you start on a low budget.
For a metal or solo sound you will have to purchase a distortion
pedal later because this device has only one sound: clean. Or
you may consider the Digitech RP-55 for more tone variation.